Dennis González Yells At Eels - Resurrection and Life

Jason Bivins, Signal To Noise

Resurrection and Life finds Yells At Eels, Gonzalez' longtime project with his sones Stefan (percussion) and Aaron (bass), joined by long-time riend Alvin Fielder and trombonist Gaïka James. James is a new name to me, but the trombonist balances brashness and elegance in just the way I want from a tailgater. The twin brass frontline makes for a joyous sound, as does the combination of Fielder's righteous snare work and Stefan's vibraphone (heard to best effect on the exuberant opener "The Oracle"). It's a robust, swinging, joyous session overall. Even the threnody "Humo en la Manana" is brimming with energy, with trumpet set marvelously against arco bass. There's some terrific free pulse and polytonality, undergirded by righteous Fielder swing, on "Everywhere to Go but Up, Nowhere to Go but Down", and the veteran drummer's title track is a boisterous one, with a catchy little refrain. The drones of "A Cobra on Clinton Avenue" evolve steadily into an engaging freebop/free improv tune that recalls a vintage Hutch or Khan Jamal piece, and there's a similar feel on "Battalion of Saints". Channeling all kind of lyricism, this band plays vigorous and soulfoul music front to back.